Abstract: A system for managing a network of environmental control units (ECUs) enables an ECU user to more easily move from one living environment to another. The system allows an ECU to be conveniently configured based on the contents of an ECU configuration profile database that stores ECU user profiles and living environment profiles, without manual reprogramming of specific user or living environment characteristics. An ECU configuration profile database is maintained that stores user profiles made up of user specific ECU configuration information, and living environment profiles made up of living environment specific ECU configuration information. Each user profile contains user specific characteristics. Each living environment profile contains living environment characteristics. Individual user profiles and living environment profiles are independently stored in and retrieved from the ECU configuration profile database.

Abstract: A system for connecting an I/O device to a central system including a cable connector having a memory for storing configuration information such as the type of the I/O device, characteristics of the I/O device, and/or the identity or characteristics of a user associated with the I/O device. Multiple universal slots are each capable of accepting the disclosed cable connector. When the disclosed connector is inserted into one of the slots, the central system operates to automatically detect the presence of the associated I/O device, and to read configuration information from the memory in the connector into memory within the central system. Configuration information read from the connector is used to configure the central system. The central system may use the configuration information from the connector memory to direct data and/or signals between the multiple universal slots and separate internal logic blocks associated with different types of I/O devices.

Abstract: New method and means for controlling the environment of disabled individuals through their voice, which includes the operation of lights or any number of appliances and a personal computer wherein the keyboard and the mouse are separately controlled by voice commands, without interference with normal application, (including dictation programs), operating within the computer. Effectively the voice control provides parallel mouse and keyboard commands with normal mouse and keyboard commands.